Imaging in Spondyloarthropathies

The spondyloarthropathies, (ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, spondylitis of inflammatory bowel disease and undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy), share common clinical and imaging findings, including characteristic involvement of the sacroiliac joints, spine and, to varying degrees, peripheral joints. Unfortunately, traditional x-rays may not detect the early inflammatory changes in spondyloarthropathies that are important in diagnosis. Thus, other imaging methods should be considered.

New Directions in Classifications and Outcome Assessment in Ankylosing Spondylitis

In its conclusions, this study states, "Classification criteria should be re-evaluated to make an earlier diagnosis possible, to shorten the diagnosis delay, which is important for clinical practice as well as for inclusion in drug trials to evaluate treatment in early disease."

The Genetic Basis of Spondyloarthritis

Spondyloarthritis is associated with HLA-B27. However, the frequency of HLA-B27 in the population-at-large far exceeds that of spondyloarthritis, suggesting other genetic factors are involved. Although HLA-B27 is, without a doubt, the most important genetic factor with spondyloarthritis, other genes currently being identified probably work in concert with HLA to cause increased susceptibility and modulate severity.

Spinal mobility in ankylosing spondylitis: reliability, validity and responsiveness

This study aimed to evaluate clinical ways to accurately measure spinal mobility in patients with AS. It was concluded that the Modified Schober Index (MSI), the Fingertip-to-floor distance following trunk flexion (FFD), and cervical rotation (Crot) are recommended for clinical practice and research.

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